In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
So, what’s actually on the table. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Another major type is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, read more these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.